It’s every father’s worst nightmare, outliving his children. Not only that, but in Gia Allemand‘s case, her father wasn’t even on good terms with her when she died.

Eugene Allemand had split from Gia’s mother many years ago, and he told The New York Daily News that he wasn’t on speaking terms with Gia when she died, explaining, “We had a fight on Mother’s Day and I said some things that I regret. I wish I could take them back, but it’s too late.” He adds, “I said don’t bother calling me on Father’s Day. It was lots of nasty things said in the heat of the moment.”

Of course, Eugene deeply regrets his words now, and he wishes that he could take them back. He explains, “If she were still here, I would I would tell her I’m so sorry and that I love her and that she will always be my rainbow.”

It’s hard to think about loved ones dying, especially without a chance to say goodbye. But there are many, many people in the world who die of accidents or unnatural causes, and they often have many fractured relationships with their loved ones. When you think back on life, that can be one of the worst regrets to have – unsaid words. So if you can forgive and forget, no matter how deep the pain may feel, you should always do it, because you never know which exchange will be the last.

In Eugene’s cast, it’s too late. But it’s a lesson to everyone out there to be mindful of their relationships and always put compassion over arguments.